Gladness Gideon
Beijing has rejected claims of involvement in Russia’s war effort after Ukrainian authorities paraded captured Chinese nationals alleged to be fighting alongside Moscow’s forces.
On Tuesday, China firmly dismissed what it described as “manipulation and hype” surrounding reports that its citizens were captured as combatants in Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia. The response follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent accusation that Moscow is attempting to drag Beijing into the conflict.
During a press briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said that Beijing is still verifying the details concerning the captured individuals.
“China is verifying the relevant information and circumstances,” Lin stated. “We urge relevant parties to accurately understand China’s objective and impartial stance, and to refrain from political manipulation and hype.”
The comments come a day after Ukraine held a press conference showcasing two Chinese prisoners of war under armed guard. During the event, the detained individuals expressed a desire to be part of a prisoner swap and warned other Chinese nationals not to involve themselves in the conflict.
President Zelensky, speaking on Friday, claimed that several hundred Chinese nationals are currently fighting on the frontlines alongside Russian forces—a statement that has sparked international concern and drawn Beijing into a growing geopolitical controversy.
However, China maintains that it has consistently discouraged its citizens from entering conflict zones.
“China has repeatedly issued safety advisories, urging Chinese citizens to stay away from areas of armed conflict and to avoid becoming involved in conflict in any form,” Lin emphasized.
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He added that any cases involving Chinese citizens overseas would be managed “in accordance with the law.”
While China has positioned itself as a neutral actor in the Russia-Ukraine war, its close political and economic ties to Moscow have led Western countries—particularly NATO members—to label Beijing a “decisive enabler” of the war, citing its indirect support and refusal to condemn Russia’s invasion.
Beijing, however, continues to deny supplying lethal aid to either side and insists that its role remains that of a mediator rather than a participant.
The presence of Chinese nationals on the battlefield raises fresh diplomatic challenges for Beijing as it balances its strategic alignment with Russia against international scrutiny and calls for accountability.
As the war continues, the involvement—whether sanctioned or voluntary—of foreign nationals is likely to remain a sensitive issue with potential ramifications for global diplomatic relations.